Yesterday, our church body paid tribute to our Veterans who served our country, fought and even died for our freedom that we experience daily in America. Two of our children (Brady & Olivia) along with one of our grandchildren (Landen), voluntarily participated by singing, and our youngest son, Brady carried the Navy Flag to honor my Dad, two nephews Ryan and Tyler, as well as others who are or were in the Navy. The branches recognized during the service were the Navy, Army, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard.
Many people today, have chosen NOT to honor our soldiers, paying no respect by spitting on them as they walk by, calling them names or act as if they don’t exist! How sad. I have members of my own family who have served this country and I want to take this opportunity to honor them publicly and thank them for all they have done – contributing to the freedoms I enjoy today.
My Dad and two nephews served in the Navy, to which I am grateful and want to say “Thank you for thinking of others more than yourself, for valuing the life of others higher than your own, and for loving your country enough to fight for her and defend what we stand for.” Thank you Dad for making this a better place to live because you chose to serve your country, accepting your call as an honor to make a difference.”
My sister in law Karen, served in the Air Force as a flight surgeon. Thank you Karen, for sacrificing your time away from home and from your children, to serve your country while purposing to make things better, leaving behind an example for others.
In our “service to remember” stood not only 23 veterans, but in our small country church, there were Purple Hearts, a World War 2 Veteran, Viet Nam Vets, etc. Some of their stories, I’ve heard and are heart wrenching. In one of the photos above, stood the WWII vet (with a cane) helping one of the purple hearts (with a walker) to his feet when his flag was brought out! Can you imagine, giving up YOUR life to fight for others freedom, losing limbs, coming home with mental disorders, etc., only to be mocked and ridiculed, hated and cursed?
I am grateful that my children and grandchildren not only witnessed this type of service but were actively involved in something so great of value! I hope they will remember it always, as they see difficult days ahead. I rarely can sing a patriotic song, or pledge allegiance to the American Flag, that I don’t get choked up remembering why we are free! When I see the military flags, I am reminded of the sacrifices so many made . . . for ME and for you!
Just as many made sacrifices and died for our country, there was ONE ULTIMATE sacrifice that also brings the greatest freedom we can ever experience! JESUS CHRIST. He died for our sins to save our soul from hell, so that we could spend eternity in heaven with HIM and desire to live FOR HIM while here on earth.
Our pastor reminded us that our military is only as great as our nation. As our nation goes downward, so shall the military follow. No matter how bad things may get, I still believe that America is the greatest country in which to live.
Don’t forget to honor and thank each veteran and soldier for their commitment to serve and defend, no matter the cost. They have left behind spouses and children to fight for your freedom.
May God continue to bless America!
“If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” II Chronicles 7:14
